Rainham Community Orchard Keeps Blooming Despite Heat Thanks To Fantastic Green Fingered Volunteers.
Green fingers and warm hearts have kept the Rainham Orchard opposite the ROYALS Youth Centre in bloom this year despite high temperatures and very little rainfall.
Following a successful appeal for sponsorship earlier this year, a number of local businesses stepped forward to support the project, while Havering Council Town Centre Team donated hardy plants and ornamental grasses to help transform the once-neglected site. Volunteers from across Rainham, supported by Havering Changing, have since spent countless hours weeding, watering, planting and clearing litter to create an attractive community space for everyone to enjoy.
Sue Watson, Rainham community champion, said:
“Every garden, communal or private, needs care and attention if it is to survive and thrive. Like many well-intentioned community projects, the Orchard suffered because all the energy went into getting it established, without anyone taking ownership of its long term maintenance.”
“The difference now is that local residents have stepped up. They have given their time freely to look after this space and the results speak for themselves. What was once neglected is now becoming a real community asset.”
While volunteers are delighted with the progress that has been made, they have also been disappointed to discover that a small number of plants have been removed from the site in recent weeks.
The incidents have been reported to the police, but organisers hope residents will instead recognise the value of protecting and caring for a space that belongs to the whole community.
Sue added:
“It’s disheartening when plants that have been donated and lovingly cared for disappear. We would simply ask people to respect the hard work of local volunteers and leave the plants in place for everyone to enjoy. The Orchard is here for the whole community.”
The project continues to welcome new volunteers, whether they can spare a few hours for watering, weeding, litter picking or helping with future planting initiatives.
Residents interested in getting involved can contact 07395095837.
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